Early ships of the DDS

In it's early days the DDS operated a rag-tag fleet of one off spaceships as it learnt the ropes of operating a space fleet. What happened to those ships operated in the early-mid 2090s?

Starhunter UM

A medium-sized scout ship rebuilt from a commercial design. It was used for reconnaissance and light attack. It was destroyed in combat with the Clones near Sandworld.

Solaris

A prototype long-range scout ship based on a UNP Space Patrol design. Solaris was withdrawn from service in the early 2100s due to fatigue and obsolescence. The Solaris was used as the basis of the upgraded Solaris II production class which served with distinction in the early 2100s. The original Solaris is now in the Proxima Space Museum.

Dinomark ZX

The ZX was a prototype ship built by the Dinos in the 2180s, their first large warship. The ZX was withdrawn due to poor performance, the Dinos later building the much more successful Dinomark RS. The ZX was sold to the DDS to give them experience in operating a large warship. However, it's combat potential was limited due to a lack of power and it only saw limited use. It was withdrawn when the DDS has sufficient Pulsars in service. The ZX's fate is unclear, it is thought to have been scrapped.

More details of DDS renaming

The DDS is now the NS and also has a new logo. The yellow star has now become a green star (of a slightly different design). At the first meeting of the (as it is now) NS Politburo Knobhead said that he expected all digital signage to be changed in days or weeks and the renaming and rebranding to be completed across the NS by the end of the year.

In a surprise move the head of ISSF Stella has announced that the Internal Security Special Forces arm of the NS will also change name. ISSF is considered to be an awkward acronym (and indeed if someone got a zark for every time its written as ISF they would be rich). The new name will be revealed later in the month.

DDS to become New Sparta

The DDS Politburo has voted unanimously to change the name of the DDS to New Sparta. The name change takes effect immediately, with digital assets expected to be changed over as soon as possible and other signage and names changed by the end of the year. Knobhead, now the New Sparta Commander, said that "NS" would be the common acronym used.

Knobhead said the new name was part of a new direction for the organisation, one which wouldn't be passive and reactive as before but would not be afraid to be aggressive and proactive to protect the UNP and it's people.

DDS to take over UNP Space Survey Mission

The DDS has taken over the UNP Space Survey Mission (USSM) which carries out surveying and mapping in UNP space, in particular along space lanes. USSM has become part of the DDS with the DDS receiving 47 million zarks a year to carry out the mission as well as a 200 million zark one-off payment to build a fleet of new ships to replace the ageing survey ships of USSM.

The ships will be built from later this year and are will use the Friendship platform. At least 5 Navigator 161A ships will be built with all needed to be in service by the end of 2117 when the existing ships become life expired.

DDS detail future MCS developments

The DDS have announced details of 3 ongoing projects for its Medium Combat Ship fleet.

Work on the first Proxima Centauri 42A is progressing with former Starsystem 91X M197T Mira now fully stripped down and worn parts of the superstructure replaced. The ship is expected to be completed for testing by the end of the year and will then undertake a full testing programme in 2117 ahead of the conversion of the rest of the fleet.

Preliminary work on the unified Isometric/Freedom classes to create the Cambrian 41G is also progressing with a number of updated components and systems to be tested on ships in the fleet this year. The DDS plan to begin the unification programme in 2118.

Also announced for the first time is an update for the Corkscrew 51A which is currently in series production. Corkscrew 51A 1.1 will commence from M212 Crescent later in the year and will include a number of improvements to combat systems including a much improved cyberwarfare protection system and improved docking facilities.

DDS renaming consultation begins

Following a meeting of the DDS Politburo the consultation on the renaming of the DDS has begun. DDS Commander Knobhead is keen for a decision to be made on the renaming next month with the changeover to begin immediately. New Sparta is by far and away the most likely new name though other names will also be considered over the next few weeks.

Knobhead has said he favours New Sparta though the DDS will use "NS" as its short-hand. Other names which have been mentioned include UNP Space Force (USF) and Force D.

DDS raise alert level because of Utrek and Charlotte

After the Utrek attempt to steal a new Dinomark the DDS has raised it's alert status for the first time in months, it is now on GREEN. Patrols may be strengthened along the border with Utrek space.

The alert status has also been raised because of increased terrorist activity on Charlotte which the DDS is assisting the authorities with tackling. It is rumoured that the DDS have evidence of a state actor in the terrorism, possibly the Tarbotians.

DDS working on Provider/Extender follow-on

The DDS are working on a "next generation" transport/oiler (though it seems to be more an evolution) to enter service around 2118. The Type 131 would be a SUP based design but feature a high degree of mission modularity. Replenishment equipment for example could be fitted and configured in a matter of hours.

If the DDS decide to go ahead with the Type 131 then the final 2 Extender 73As on order could be cancelled. No Provider 71As are currently on order though there is the need for more.

Knobhead said to prefer "New Sparta"

DDS Commander Knobhead is said to prefer "New Sparta" as the new name for the DDS, he wants to have the name change completed by the Summer of 2116. However Knobhead says the DDS is open to suggestions and a consultancy will be held next month before the DDS Politburo makes a final decision.

Windscorpion has welcomed the name change, he told DDS News 24 that the DDS name was now tired and mired in the past.

DDS will change its name in 2116!

DDS Commander Knobhead has confirmed that the DDS will change its name next year! Knobhead said that DDS, Dino Death Squad, was no longer a relevant title for a massive pan-solar system multi-spectrum military organisation. "The name may have suited us in the early days when we were not much more than Ronald's private army for operations outside Dino space but now it is a bit of an embarrassment."

The DDS nearly changed name to New Sparta in the early 2100s, some signage was even changed, though the name change was overturned at the last moment. Firefly also considered a name change during his reign a few years ago. It is thought that Knobhead is keen to make his mark on the DDS and a new name and branding would certainly do that. What the new name and when exactly the change will take place is currently not known.

DDS deploys troops to Delta 9 to assist with disaster recovery

Soldiers from L12 Infantry Regiment, DDS Terrestrial Forces, have arrived on Delta 9 from Liberation and will assist with disaster recovery following the volcanic eruption near New Erdington. Emergency supplies have also arrived but personnel are now needed to help stricken and evacuated residents and assist with the UNP led recovery.

The volcano is said to be calming down now though there are still minor eruptions. Luckily the town has not been hit by lava flows though there has been extensive damage due to debris from the eruption.

First DDS help arrives at Delta 9

A couple of days after a volcanic eruption which badly affected a heavily populated area, an Indy 35B from the Rapid Reaction Squadron has arrived at Delta 9 bringing personnel from the UNP Geological Survey, vulcanologists and specialist medical personnel as well as some specialist supplies. The Indy 35B is a warship so could not carry a large amount of aid though a laden Oceania 63A is due to arrive from Liberation on Wednesday with aid and support personnel.

The volcanic eruption is said to be continuing though some scientists predict it will lessen by next week. Thousands of people from the town of New Erdington have been evacuated. About 40 people are unaccounted for though the Deltan authorities think the death toll could rise.

Two Provider 71As are being prepared and loaded at Liberation with the next wave of supplies though will not depart until an initial survey is made to see what is needed.

DDS deployed to natural disaster on Delta 9

A volcanic eruption on Delta 9 has put the population around the town of New Erdington at risk from lava and ash. The overstretched civilian authorities have asked the DDS for assistance. The DDS always keep one of their amphibious squadron ships on 48 hour notice for just this eventuality and L151 Oceania will depart from Liberation tomorrow with supplies. It should arrive at Delta 9 by the middle of next week.

M190T Beta Centauri was diverted to Delta 9 from a training mission and has taken atmospheric samples and photographs of the eruption which has been sent to the DDS for analysis.

Operation Northern Project 2115

Northern Project is the final major DDS exercise of the year and is a "mock war" that requires the full spectrum of DDS military capabilities. The exercise will last for just over a week and include space combat, reconnaissance and EW, amphibious landings and mine warfare. A number of DDS allies will be taking part to act as the "enemy" (Red force). The exercise begins tomorrow. The ships involved are:

S201 Missileer (flagship)
H101 Panther
H112 Royal Tiger
H201 Mulberry
M108 Holocene
M135 Fox
M178 Sea Of The Hebrides
M183 Sea Of Serenity
A182 Zebra

L131 Tethys Ocean (amphibious force flagship)
L111 Pangaea
L117 Rodinia
L153 South East Asia
L158 South America
H162 Polaris
H175 Altair
M126 Fury
M171 Mediterranean Sea
A153 Propane
A107 Condor

M110 Cryptozoic (MCM force flagship)
K201M Thucydides
K209M Pericles
K213MX Paris
A143 Jetstar

A304E Fleming (Recce EW force flagship)
H121 Independence
H129 Impregnable
K109 Sulla
A168 Hexanol

S251 Anubis (Red force flagship)
M195T Oscar Wilde
A153 Methane
+ Remedian, Raegris, Porquatian ships

TPM-3 makes delayed entry into service, early TPM-4 details revealed

The third generation TPM-3 has finally made it's entry into service after software and engine problems delayed a planned entry into service in the early Summer. The first production facility has now moved over to the TPM-3 and missile loads have gone out to a number of ships. Unlike the TPM-1 to TPM-2 change TPM-3 is compatible with TPM-2 launchers though is 80% smaller. Future purpose designed storage facilities and VLS batteries will thus potentially have larger potential capacities. However the DDS have said that TPM-2 will remain in service until about 2120 at least due to the huge stockpile.

TPM-3 as well as being smaller has a triple warhead option, improved stealth and signal management including a low-emission ion engine. Production will switch fully over to TPM-3 by the end of 2116.

Also announced is the next generation TPM-4 (though this was mentioned in the AABS announcement yesterday). Not much is yet known about the fourth generation missile except that it will have a simplified and optimised design and structure to help with rapid "just in time" manufacture.

DDS to invest in static defence

The DDS are to invest in static defence positions in 6 star systems and 3 key interstellar positions along space lanes in a 1.7 billion zark programme to run over the next 4 years. Automated sensor grids will be built along with improved defence systems on existing orbital facilities. Communications and control systems will also be upgraded.

DDS Research would also get funding for the AABS (Automatic Arsenal Battle Station), these are self-contained missile bases on asteroids (presumably towed to strategic locations) which as well as sensor, communications and weapon emplacements include full facilities to mine raw materials and manufacture their own TPMs on demand. AABSs could be fully autonomous only needing the occasional inspection or specialist maintenance. It is thought the simplified TPM-4 design could lend itself to rapid manufacture on demand in an AABS, maybe even within a few seconds.

Director of Operations Torus said that strong defences would mean that ships could be released for more pro-active duties elsewhere. She also said that DDS Space Force would be reorganised next year with a whole new ORBAT.

GHQ Metro to open new branch and extension early next year

The Ren's Bay branch of the GHQ Metro on Helnikan Island, Proxima 5 will begin operation early next year following the completion of extensive testing of the short branch line and integration with the main line through to the rest of GHQ. Freight trains from West Quays will begin immediately with East Quays also becoming operational soon afterwards.

Work on the western line through to the Quentin Hills Observatory has also been completed and fitting out and testing of the latest extension will soon begin. This length of line is also expected to become operational next year, by late Spring. The next extension planned to become operational in 2117 will be to Henkly Point and the branch to Rotos Island.

DDS will keep to same exercise schedule for 2116

The DDS are to keep to the same exercise schedule next year as for 2115. There will be 5 exercises in 2116.

• Ground Shock 2116 in March (ground attack, amphibious assault)
• Info Affairs 2116 in May (special forces and cyber warfare)
• Atomic Fist 2116 in July (strategic attack)
• Civilian Partnership 2116 in September (humanitarian relief and UNP co-operation)
• Northern Project 2116 in December (full spectrum "mock" war)

The 2115 edition of Northern Project has meanwhile been set for early next month and will be the final set-piece of the year for the DDS before the Christmas break. DDS forces will engage in a mock war with Porquatian, Remedian and Raegris assets and the exercise will include space and land combat exercises.

Anti-UNP terrorists launch attacks on Charlotte

Associate UNP member Charlotte in the Rim Worlds has been engaged in talks with the UNP for full membership (something the DDS are very keen on). However not everyone is keen on joining the UNP it seems after a terrorist group which calls themselves the Charlotte Truth System (CTS) has launched attacks on UNP and DDS offices and has called for Charlotte to withdraw fully from the UNP never mind become a full member.

Three attacks have been claimed by the CTS so far, a UNP liaison office in the capital was fire bombed followed by a residence used by a UNP official. No one was hurt in the incidents. More seriously a DDS liaison officer working with the Charlotte military was murdered by the CTS outside of his home.

The Charlotte law enforcement authorities have launched a planet wide hunt for the CTS. It is thought an ISSF active service unit will be sent to Charlotte to assist.

Knobhead wants a more phased shut down of DDS CIty

Following a debate in the DDS Politburo on The Shiner's plan to sell off DDS City the DDS Commander Knobhead has said he agrees with the plan in principle though wants the timeline of the plan extended, perhaps to 10 or 12 years.

Although he sees the benefits of selling off DDS City and moving facilities elsewhere (raising an estimated 100 billion zarks) he is wary of large scale disruption due to the uncertain astralpolitical situation. He has asked The Shiner for a modified plan which will be debated next month.